Love your hypoestes plant? Here is a complete guide on how to propagate the polka dot plant in water – the easiest way!
I am really into my polka dot plant! Otherwise known as the hypoestes, this plant is pink and green with a beautiful polka dotted pattern on its leaves.
It grows quickly, super super easy plant care, and propagates from stem cuttings REALLY easily!
I will say that my plant cost $1.48 at Lowes (like, what? So cheap!)
It immediately started growing quickly on our screened porch. It honestly got a little leggy (the branches were so long they were bending) so I decided to take some stem cuttings to cut it back a bit.
Well, the cuttings rooted super quickly and easily – no rooting hormone needed! They grew roots super fast in our propagation station and I’m really pleased with the whole process!
How long do polka dot plants take to propagate?
Hypoestes propagation is SUPER quick! You will see roots in just 7-10 days and should have roots 2 inches long or so in less than a month!
Polka Dot Plant Care Guide
Join the (free!) KeepYourPlantsAlive+ community to access this exclusive printable plant care guide! Once you sign up, you can right click & save the JPG care guide. Or keep scrolling for more!
How to propagate the polka dot plant (hypoestes phyllostachya)
Polka dot plant propagation is amazingly fast and easy!
What you need:
- Healthy polka dot plant
- Clean scissors
- Jar of water
What you do:
STEP 1: Identify a node
Nodes are the bumps on a stem that leaves grow from. This is also where roots will grow!
STEP 2: Cut just below a node
Cut directly below a node.
STEP 3: Remove lower leaves
Remove any leaves on that bottom node, or any lower leaves that will fall in the water once you place your cutting in water.
STEP 4: Place in water
Place the cutting in a glass or jar of water. I use test tubes in my DIY propagation station.
STEP 5: Place in indirect light
Place the cutting in indirect light.
STEP 6: Plant in soil
Once the roots are 2 inches long, you are good to plant it in soil! Be sure to use a planter will holes for drainage (here’s how to drill drainage holes in ceramic pots) to avoid root rot.
Video demonstration
Watch my video showing exactly how we propagated this polka dot plant!
Any questions about how to root the polka dot plant?
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I’m Morgan, a houseplant enthusiast from sunny Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up surrounded by my mom’s lush orchids and African violets, I discovered the magic of bringing nature indoors. Thanks to the pandemic, I delved deeper into houseplants, discovering their power to uplift moods and transform spaces. I’m here to spill all my secrets, helping you pick the perfect houseplant – and make it happy. Let’s keep your plants alive, together! 😊